FG Directs Universities To Expel Students Found Guilty Of Kidnapping

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions across the country to immediately dismiss any student found guilty, after proper investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or related criminal activities.

The directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during a meeting with the pro-chancellor, governing council members and management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, held in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, Alausa also instructed heads of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to strengthen internal intelligence systems and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to improve campus security nationwide.

“If you tolerate bad behaviour for too long, it becomes a culture. Any student found culpable, after due investigation, of planning or participating in the kidnapping of fellow students has no place in our tertiary institutions. Such individuals must be dismissed. Our campuses must never become safe havens for criminal elements. Government has a duty to protect innocent citizens and preserve our institutions as centres of learning and excellence,” the minister stated.

While acknowledging that Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely secure, Alausa said recent isolated incidents involving students outside school premises highlight the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer cooperation with security agencies.

“We have a collective responsibility to protect every Nigerian child, from primary school to tertiary education. While our campuses remain safe, we must continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and work closely with our security agencies to ensure that students are protected both within and outside our institutions,” he said.

The minister revealed that he recently met with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Retired), to develop a coordinated plan aimed at strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and improving security for students nationwide.

Alausa praised President Bola Tinubu for providing the leadership, political support and resources needed to strengthen national security and implement reforms in the education sector. He said the administration remains committed to ensuring every Nigerian child has access to quality education in a safe and conducive environment.

Reaffirming President Tinubu’s position that government institutions must not negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, the minister warned that such actions only encourage criminal activities and weaken efforts to tackle insecurity.

He therefore directed governing councils and heads of tertiary institutions to establish effective internal intelligence structures, maintain close collaboration with the DSS and other security agencies, and take firm action against anyone who threatens the safety of students.

On infrastructure, Alausa announced that the Federal Government would support security improvement projects in tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) 2027 intervention programme. The projects will include perimeter fencing and other critical security facilities, while eligible institutions have been encouraged to submit their requests early.

The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power. He explained that institutions requiring additional electricity capacity could benefit from upgrades to existing solar infrastructure through increased power generation and battery storage.

In her remarks, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Lola Akande, commended the minister for his continued support for the institution. She outlined key challenges facing the university, including inadequate hostel accommodation, power supply issues at Campus 2, and insecurity.

Akande disclosed that some students were suspected of participating in kidnapping activities carried out off campus, noting that recent incidents pointed in that direction. She added that the university strongly opposes paying ransom for kidnapped victims, insisting that doing so would only embolden criminals.